Wow. I just saw my balloons, and I find myself compelled to post something momentous.

I got nothin'.

Actually, that's not true. I've been on the Fool, mostly on this board, for 13 years! That's a long time. Longer than I've been in my house, in my job, or in a relationship. (ok, that last one may just be sad...)

In that time, I've learned a lot about money, a little about investing, met one Fool IRL I consider a friend, even though we don't keep in touch very well (my fault completely). I've quit a job, started a job, got promoted, moved away, moved back, asked for and got a demotion, saved some money, bought a house, sold a house, bought another house, and another house. Had a mild nervous breakdown. Fell in love, fell out of love. Lost weight, gained weight, lost weight, gained weight, lost weight... Became a landlord. Had my fiction published. I've upsized and downsized. I left my thirties, and now find myself almost ready to enter my 50's. Got some good dogs, lost some good dogs and cats. Lost my dad.

In other words, lived life. And a lot of that life I've shared with you.

I do credit the Fool and this board and the people on it, with making me think about money and its impact on living that life, or what it means to have a life, and money's impact on it. There are some people on this board I've gotten annoyed with, some people that, when I see their name, I can't wait to read their posts. Some posts I find myself nodding my head at, some posts I roll my eyes about, but looking back, it's ALL been valuable.

I imagine I'll glide into retirement still hanging out on this board. I hope you guys will all be here with me.

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When Life Gives You Lemons
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